When the travelers come to the heart of the mountain, they realize they are not inside a volcano at all. Gonff notes, “It was more than a cave, he decided. It was a huge mountain hall. At its center was a mighty furnacelike forge” (301). The flames that shoot out of the forge toward the sky make the mountain look like it is on fire and keep away the sea rats who prey on coastal settlements. Manning the forge is the formidable badger, Boar.

The immense creature makes his visitors welcome and sees to their comfort. Then, he tells them about his nemesis, a sea rat captain named Ripfang of the ship Bloodwake. He is the only pirate who isn’t afraid to sail near Salamandastron. Martin begs Boar to return and save Mossflower, but the badger doesn’t respond. Instead, he notices the broken sword hilt around Martin’s neck and offers to reforge the weapon.

Back in Mossflower the following morning, Tsarmina and Bane attack the woodlanders while they are busy on their tunneling project. The Kotir contingent notices three holes by the river and stuffs up the entrances before returning to the fortress.

That same morning, Martin awakens to an abundant breakfast in Salamandastron.